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Publisher's Description

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Neither a comprehensive marriage manual, nor a complete exploration of the theological significance of marriage, Friends and Lovers focuses on two key ingredients in a vital marriage: friendship and sexual intimacy. Drawing from the wisdom of the Bible, especially the Book of Proverbs, Joel Beeke shows you how to grow closer to your spouse both emotionally and physically.

Recently I have read quite a few books on the marriage relationship. As a newly married man (2 ÃÂ½ years) I recognize that I am flawed and selfish and need God's power to truly be the man that He desires for me to be. Friends and Lovers by Joel Beeke proves itself to be a worthwhile read in understanding how to be a better spouse. In a day when there is a vast assortment of marriage books to choose from, one would do themselves a huge blessing by picking this book up.

The book is divided into two sections: friends and lovers. Beeke starts the first section with a reminder that our friendship as husband and wife must be grounded in the gospel. God made us to have communion with Him and with each other. He then encourages us to cultivate our marriage by sharing our "spiritual experiences. Share your spiritual concerns, frustrations, triumphs, your pilgrimage and your progress. Talk about how the Lord is working in your life by his Word and Spirit." His section on giving and receiving correction was extremely beneficial. It is so easy to get negative when giving correction and defensive when receiving correction and his "sandwich principle" of padding sides of the correction (the meat of the sandwich) with praise (the bread) will definitely make correction easier to take and not feel like a personal attack.

The second section (Lovers) is on sexual intimacy. This section is handled very tastefully. In my opinion some Christian books get borderline vulgar with the wording and detail that they talk about sex. Beeke does not do this yet still manages to get across the point of delighting in sexual intimacy with your spouse. His sexual sin section is outstanding, reminding the reader that struggles with past sins that God has forgiven you. If God has forgiven you in Christ of that sin then why do you hold the guilt and shame of it over your own head. You cannot forgive yourself. Instead you need to understand that the judge of the universe has forgiven your debt and it is mighty arrogant to think that you need to forgive it as well. Rest in Christ!!! This book was truly a blessing for me and with its small size I can see myself coming back to it over and over again to readjust my vision when it gets off. I highly recommend this book!

I received a free copy of this book from Cruciform Press in exchange for an honest review.